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'Fighting Sioux' supporters in last-ditch signature drive

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Supporters of a campaign to restore the University of North Dakota's retired Fighting Sioux nickname are making a final push to get enough petition signatures to force a statewide vote.

Petitions are due at the secretary of state's office in Bismarck by midnight Tuesday. The group circulating them has set up drop-off sites in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Bismarck and Devils Lake for supporters to submit the signatures they've collected.

Minot attorney Reed Soderstrom said Friday the group was within 1,000 signatures of the 13,500 needed to force a vote on the nickname issue during the June primary election.

Another proposal by the group would change the North Dakota Constitution to say UND teams will always be known as the Fighting Sioux. Those petition signatures are due in August.